Welcome to JJ Custom Works, a division of JJ Guitars based in the UK.
Introducing the new Free-Way JJ Custom Works Edition Switch
A Series Parallel / Inner Outer Coils 6 way toggle Switch.
The JJ Custom Works Edition developed by Free-Way offers a dedicated series / parallel function designed for guitars equipped with twin Humbucking pickups. The JJ Edition has 9 terminal connections. The normal three traditional humbucker settings are offered along with the inner and outer coils of each pickup in parallel and the inner coils of each pickup in series.
Below we have our quick view switch schematic detailing the tonal options available. The switch is supplied complete with all the required hardware and a choice of cream, black or amber caps.
We have an ever growing line of distribution through some of the worlds most notable suppliers and we are also proud to have some of the finest guitar makers around the globe supporting our product. You can also purchase the switch directly from our website.
History
It really is quite a story how we began to develop our relationship with Free-Way and NSF Controls Ltd.
As a guitar manufacturer, we always wished to be able to offer our customers the option with our twin humbucking guitars, inner and outer coil sounds in series and parallel. It was also important that we remained faithful to our original designs without introducing the use of rotary or sliding switches and a product to fit most control cavities.
In 2009, I noticed a six way toggle style switch that was available to purchase by Free-Way. We thought great, lets see if we can make this switch do what we want.
I bought some switches and duly started to take them apart to check out the circuits!!…..
Sadly, it was clear that the switch was not going to produce the dedicated function that we required so it was back to the drawing board. Initially it was a little difficult to track down the makers but with some help from my friends at Xperience guitars in Nottingham, we came up with the manufacturers details, NSF Controls Ltd based in Leeds in the North of the UK.
We arranged a meeting and explained in detail our requirements from this type of switch. However, time passed and we just became very busy doing what we do, making guitars….
Whilst exhibiting JJ Guitars at the London International Music Show in June 2009, Mr Alasdair Bryce came to my stand and said “ I think you may have an interest in my six way switch, I am the designer” At this point I was elated and I’m sure Alasdair would agree, I leaped into overdrive with such a passion for the product.
It was explained that Free-Way did have a prototype design suiting our requirements but with no plans for production. Well I was sold from this point on and offered our total support in completing the development of the product with the view to bringing this particular switching system to the market.
Having experienced the original product, we initially discussed our thoughts regarding the physical design and Free-Way were totally ahead of the game. Free-Way and NSF Controls had redesigned their next generation of product to such a high degree of engineering, we were totally amazed with the quality.
Initially we tested the Series / Parallel – Inner / Outer coils circuits using their original product and moved on to the final design seen on these pages. The new product was demonstrated at the 2012 NAMM Show in California and the Montreal Guitar Show of the same year to great acclaim.
The JJ Custom Works Edition, Free-Way Switch catalogue number, 3x3 04 was designed at our request to also offer a UNC thread for the lever tip. This accommodates for the use of standard USA made guitar products and ease when the switch is retro fitted. This switch has been tested to one million movements without any signs of wear and the product is without doubt, engineering excellence.
Having taken some years to finalise the product and gaining total satisfaction with the sonics and build quality, we are proud of our association with Free-Way and NSF Controls Ltd. We have developed such an affiliation over the years with this particular product that it was a natural progression to joint brand with Free-Way and NSF Controls Ltd along with the marketing of their JJ Custom Works Edition.
